Tag Archives: Ferrari

There’s a leak and it involved the specifications and features of the Ferrari 488 Sport Special Series. It’s no secret that the Italian automaker is working on a high-performance version if its 488 supercar, but it’s only now that we have gotten our hands on some useful details.

Most Powerful V8 Engine

When Ferrari says it will produce the most powerful V8 engine in its history, you better believe it. The race bred 488 Sport Special Series will be fitted with the same V8 engine seen in other Ferraris, except this one is something special. In the standard V8, the 3.9-liter twin-turbo can produce 661 horsepower. The race version of this could churn out at least 700 horsepower. The engine will also be 10-percent lighter than the standard powertrain, so expect the Ferrari to “fly.”

Racing Technology

The car, typical of Ferrari supercars, will be fitted with the latest in racing technology such as a “race” gearshift, an “extremely” direct steering ratio, all-new Michelin Sport Cup 2 tires, and front S-duct and a rear diffuser from the 488 GTE Le Mans car.

There’s also a new aerodynamic package that will be 20-percent more aerodynamically efficient than the regular 488. The new 20-inch alloy wheels that this high-performance 488 is packaged in are 40-percent lighter than the ones on the base model.

Carbon Fiber All Around

The new 488 will almost be made entirely of carbon fiber. There’s no other car in the world that used carbon fiber as much as the high-performance 488, reports said. Both the front and rear bumpers, the bonnet, the active rear spoiler, and interior dashboard will be made of carbon fiber. The racing seats will also be made of carbon fiber, so say goodbye to the standard glovebox as well as to other interior niceties.

Speculations are rampant that the new 488 will carry the GTO badge, but the schedule doesn’t seem to fit it seeing as Ferrari just released a GTO badge in 2010 via the 599. Seeing as Ferrari only ever revives the GTO badge every two or three decades, it’s unlikely that the 488 will get the infamous badge.

A new Ferrari hypercar is set to be unveiled in a few days. The high-performance vehicle will be called the Ferrari FXX K Evo.

The FXX K Evo will make its debut at the 2017 Finali Mondiali. The event will be held this coming October 30 at the Mugello track in Italy.

The FXX K Evo was mentioned in the press release of Ferrari for the show. So far, only a few details were revealed about it. Combining the official information with other reliable sources and insiders within the company, here are the things we expect about it:

Design

The sports car manufacturer revealed that the FXX K Evo was based on the concept car they introduced at the 2014 Finali Mondiali held in Abu Dhabi. It should be noted though that the one they will showcase at the coming event will be an evolved version of the former.

Based on the past spy shots of the hypercar’s production version, it will heavily base its design on its concept model. There appears to be some tweaks in the bumper, spoilers and air intakes of the vehicle though.

The one that will be made available to customers appears to have a sharper profile too with its longer sloping hood and rear roofline. Look forward to a lighter armor for the production model as well.

Drivetrain

Again, the specific engine of the FXX K Evo remains a closely-guarded secret of Ferrari, but its press release claimed that the car could deliver more than 1,050 hp. It will likely have a hybrid setup, which is made up of a petrol engine and electric motors. The petrol unit of the auto will most probably be a 6.3-liter V12.

Given the car’s hybrid setup featuring a V12 combustion engine, better aerodynamic elements and lighter frame, it is bound to have a quick acceleration time that might even be faster than the record set by the original FXX at the Fiorano track.

There is a popular belief that electric cars are environment-friendly because of their zero emission values. However, Ferrari and Fiat Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne is not buying it.

Ferrari has shown us their hybrid car concept for the 599 back in 2010, their latest hybrid Ferrari LaFerrari, and their Formula One cars are now using a hybrid powertrain that is proving to be a major challenge for the reigning champion, Mercedes. Despite that, it seems electric cars do not sit well with Ferrari executives. The fans of the brand share the same sentiment too. After all, the brand has been known for its powerful cars ran by combustion engines.

Marchionne pointed out in an interview with CNBC that electric cars may not be as clean as they seem. He said that the full environmental impact of electric vehicles or EVs must be analyzed thoroughly. He recommended a full examination on the origin of the electric power, where it comes from, the manufacture of its batteries, cost in terms of carbon dioxide and its environmental impact.

The CEO pointed out that if they are using nuclear power in the production of such, then he has no issue about it as he thinks that is the right thing. He explained that if companies are still using fossil fuel to produce EVs, there is a bigger issue regarding the matter.

The report claimed that as of now, Ferrari has no public plans to develop EVs. Ferrari execs and fans defended their stance with the fact that electric cars would not fit in the brand’s image. However, the source stated that their position might change due to the strong push of governments worldwide for electrification in order to curb pollution.

It should be noted that Fiat Chrysler does have its own electric models as well, but Marchionne revealed that the company is losing as much as $20,000 for every electric model of the Fiat 500.

For many years now, car enthusiasts and experts have been wondering whether there will be a day that a Ferrari SUV will come zooming beside them on a stoplight. That would give commoners plenty of reasons and time to ogle at probably the most expensive SUV in the market.

In a report by CarAndDriver, Ferrari CEO and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles head Sergio Marchionne said, “You have to shoot me first” before we’ll ever get to see a Ferrari SUV. That seems to change now because more and more high-end auto brands are being seduced by the big chunk of market ready to spend money on an SUV.

High-end brands such as Porsche, Bentley, Aston Martin, Jaguar, Lamborghini, Maserati, and Rolls Royce are diving into the pool of luxurious SUV production because of the fat profits gained from selling the auto. Now, there are also reports that Ferrari is readying its version of SUV (codename Project F16X).

The public will likely see the arrival of the Ferrari SUV in 2020, along with the follow-up to the GTC4Lusso. Right now, the Lusso is already an all-wheel drive, but thanks to the platform being developed for the F16X, it can get a higher ride height and a four-door coupe body.

The GTC4 will continue offering a V-12 engine while Ferrari’s planned SUV variant will most probably have a V-8 or hybrid powertrains.

Rise in Profit

Although Marchionne might have problems with the current Ferrari plan to have an SUV, it wouldn’t take much to convince him to try it out. The brand currently produces 8,000 to 16,000 units of Ferrari cars. Having an SUV, with that big of a market, in your lineup will significantly up the profit.

In truth, there is no indication that Ferrari would call this an SUV. It can be a crossover or Ferrari could simply create something out of thin air for the SUV.

The Ferrari 812 Superfast makes its way in Japan. (Photo Source: The Sun)

The Ferrari 812 Superfast was introduced at the Geneva Motor Show last March. The name “Ferrari” alone is enough to command respect and convince us that the car is bound to be amazing. The automaker also didn’t go around the bush in naming the replacement of the F12 Berlinetta, so it simply called its new creation the “Superfast”.

Recently, the Ferrari 812 Superfast was once again showcased in Japan. The car definitely didn’t fail our expectations. Here we examine the five key details that define the Ferrari 812 Superfast:

1. Engine

The Ferrari 812 Superfast houses a mighty 6.5-liter V12 engine. The unit produces 789 hp and 530 lb-ft of torque. The numbers push the car from zero to 62 mph in just 2.9 seconds. Then its max speed goes up to 211 mph.

Currently, the Superfast is considered by its maker as the fastest and most powerful Ferrari. Most of the major changes in the vehicle went to its engine as its maker wanted to set the benchmark for V12 performance in the car. The handling of the auto is improved by its EPS (Electric Power Steering), which a first in a Ferrari car.

2. Exterior

The Ferrari 812 Superfast carries many styling elements found in the Ferrari F12 Berlinetta. However, the very noticeable cosmetic updates from the Superfast include the mesh in the front bumper and lighting system.

3. Interior

The cabin of the Superfast again follows the minimalistic design of its predecessor. For those who wish to boost the look and functions of the car can avail of the Ferrari Personalisation Programme. The add-ons include an upgraded telemetry system, high-end audio system with 12 speakers and 1,280 Watt amplifier with Quantum Logic.

4. Price

According to The Sun, Ferrari 812 Superfast has a starting price of £240,000. Interested buyers can already purchase the car.

The Ferrari 812 Superfast makes its way to the 2017 Geneva Motor Show. It looks like the car definitely lives up to its name.

Engine

The 812 Superfast possesses a 6.5-liter naturally-aspirated V12 engine beneath its hood. As the name of the car implies, it is capable of producing up to 812 hp at 8,500 rpm. Its 718 Nm torque can also be reached at 7,000 rpm. The power of the auto is distributed to the rear wheels via a dual-clutch transmission.

The 812 Superfast can accelerate from zero to 62 mph in just 2.9 seconds. The top speed of the auto is around 211 mph.

Design

The 812 Superfast is the successor of the Ferrari F12 Berlinetta. Therefore, the new car carries over many styling elements found in its predecessor.

What makes the exterior of the 812 Superfast stand out against the F12 Berlinetta though is the new car’s smoother shape and body lines. The cosmetic changes makes the 812 Superfast appear more balanced and have better proportions than the F12 Berlinetta. Then, the fascia of the new car gives it a more aggressive look than the model it replaced.

The 812 Superfast is inspired by the 1969 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 “Daytona” as well. The rear of the auto brings back the traditional round taillights of the classic car.

The interior of the 812 Superfast show huge improvements too. The seats of the car are revamped for a sportier setup and it offers several upgrades in its infotainment system.

What’s in the Name?

Aside from the very obvious high-performance feature of the 812 Superfast, its name can be traced back to the time when Enzo Ferrari fitted a huge V12 intended to a smaller vehicle to his prototype muscle car. He would call the car the Ferrari 4.9 Superfast according to the interview of Flavio Manzoni, head of the Ferrari Design Center.

Photos

Check out the pictures of the Ferrari 812 Superfast at the 87th Geneva Motor Show in the gallery below:

Italy may be best known as the land of amazing pasta, pizza and architecture for us mere mortals. But for the ultra-rich, Italy is home to the world’s most powerful supercars—the Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati and the Pagani. Majority of the best cars out there carry the Italian flag in the top right corner.

And as if Italy has not outdone itself again and again in the matter of producing the greatest cars ever, a company called Mazzanti (very much Italian, right?) just produced the Millecavalli—a 1,000bhp hypercar that will apparently compete with the great LaFerrari in terms of horsepower offering, according to Top Gear.

The Millecavalli is packing a 7.2-liter twin-turbo V8 engine, which can produce 1,000bhp and 885 lb. ft. of torque. That’s certainly a lot more than Ferrari’s offering of 950bhp and 664 lb. ft. of torque through its V12-engined hybrid hypercar.

The Mazzanti Millecavalli weighs at only 1,300 kg, which would certainly boost its road performance using a six-speed sequential gearbox. That said, Mazzanti’s supercar should go 0-60mph in just 2.7 seconds. It has a top speed of 250mph.

Surely, supercar enthusiasts are scrutinizing the company’s every move. Mazzanti was a creation of Luca Mazzanti and classic car restorer Walter Faralli.

The Millecavalli has a lot going on—ripples and creases that affect the car’s aerodynamics. There’s also a two-tier spoiler, a roof snorkel, and suicide swan doors.

There are no details yet for the interior, although we’re expecting to see some elegant and sporty details on the seats, steering wheel, and even the pedals. If you’re curious, you can take a look at it since it’s currently on display at the Turin Auto Show.

Mazzanti said there will only be 25 units of the Millecavalli. As for the price? We don’t know that yet, but expect really astonishing, fall-off-your-seat price tag for this supercar.

NextEV is getting ready to reveal its first car “somewhere in Europe” before the year ends. The car is reportedly going to be fully-battery-powered, a testament to the Chinese-backed electric vehicle startup company headed by former Ford President for Europe Martin Leach.

The car will rival both the McLaren P1 and Ferrari’s LaFerrari in terms of performance and price. Reports indicated that the hypercar has been developed at the company’s Munich design center for the past two years. Production, however, will start at the new UK branch.

NextEV was a product of an agreement between Chinese Internet billionaire William Li and Leach at the 2014 Paris Motor Show. Leach was Ford’s head of product development before becoming its president for Europe operations. Since that agreement, the startup hired Cisco System’s former chief technology officer, Padmasree Warrior, to run its US operations.

Warrior is heading the software development for the hypercar.

NextEV is gaining ground in concept competitions, too. It won the inaugural Formula E championship for the all-electric, single-seat race cars.

The problem, however, is that NextEV’s market seems to be targeted at the billionaire circle. This would mean ordinary mortals won’t even have the chance to get their hands on the supercar.

But Leach maintained the company’s vision is actually more than just targeting billionaires. It aims to widen its supercar market in the future.

He maintained that the production of the brand’s first hypercar is aimed at attracting and gaining attention, and to show what the company can do technology-wise. Over time, NextEV is expected to showcase more than just supercars.

The first NextEV supercar has been compared to the Tesla model, but Leach said his creation would definitely offer more convenience and accessibility.

We won’t be seeing this hypercar in US soil anytime soon, however. NextEV’s main market would be China, which is under immense pressure to cut down car emissions.

Lotus made a special edition of its Evora Sport 410 that has supposedly become faster than the Ferrari F50. This special edition is based on the latest 400, but focuses on giving it more power and less weight.

As a result, the Lotus Evora Sport 410 will provide more power and stronger performance at a top speed of 186 mph with a 0-60 mph in 3.9 seconds. This is 0.3 second quicker than the 400 edition, and is at par with the Ferrari F50.

According to TopGear, the special edition 410 packs a supercharged 3.5-litre V6 engine—output rising to 404 horsepower—with the extra 10bhp. On top of this super machine, the Lotus Evora Sport 410 will only be 1,325 kilos, 70 kilograms lighter than the previous edition.

The weight would take it on the level of the Ford Focus, but this means Lotus had to trim some features such as the arm rests, storage bins and speakers. It’s also mainly made of lightweight carbon trim, including the boot lid.

The Evora Sport 410 can handle recalibrated suspension, which was dropped at 5mm compared to the Evora 400. Imagine combining it with Evora’s sharp dynamic elements such as its limited-slip differential, Michelin Cup tires, and multi-stage stability control, and you’ve got a supercar in your midst.

This and the Porsche Cayman GT4 is on the same wavelength, but the Evora Sport 410 promises to be more powerful and easier to handle because of the lightweight materials used to produce it.

And although it packs less features than the 400, so that it can be lighter and more powerful, the price remained at £79,995. This is 8,000 more expensive than the Evora 400. If you want to get your hands on the 410, you have to order quickly since only 150 cars will be mass produced.

If you or know someone who can easily sign a check for $16 million to get their hands on a “celebrity car,” so to speak, then throw this little bit of information to them: the 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider is up for sale at the Amelia Island auction in Florida next month.

According to CarAndDriver, only 56 units of this car have been made. Only 37 of them have been fitted with those sought-after covered headlights. This particular machine has exchanged ownership three times since it was constructed and sold 55 years ago.

Industrial designer Gianfranco Frattini was the first one to own the Ferrari. While under his care, it was featured in the film “Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow” with Hollywood actress Sophia Loren in 1963.

In June 1978, it was bought by its second owner Terzo Dalia, and then passed on to its third owner in 1985. This is the first time it will be up for public sale, and the first time it is being offered outside Italy.

This short-wheelbase model of the 1961 Ferrari 250 GT is based on its previous long-wheelbase version. The auto features a number of upgrades such as a timeless coachwork by Scaglietti, a more nimble chassis and four-wheel disc brakes. With Scaglietti behind the design, it’s no wonder one look at the Ferrari can render an exquisite reaction.

Gooding & Company, which has been tapped to represent the car publicly, said this is Ferrari’s prettiest car and the exquisite bodywork hides an even more impressive machine. The company expects the car to go up to about $16 to $17 million on March 11 when the auction opens its doors.

Based on the records at Sports Car Market, having a selling price of $16 million would put this in the range of California Spiders—the current record is at $18.6 million paid for the Baillon barnfind in Paris a year ago.

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